Annual cancer ride raises $16,000

The event raised more than $16,000 on the day of the ride. Photo by Kara StriteskyMore than 150 riders took part in the Sept. 22 Lynnda Laubach Breast Cancer Awareness Ride. More than $16,000 was raised from the event.

“With the cooler weather we had been experiencing the days leading up to the ride, we expected a lower than average turnout,” said Mark Christofferson. “But given the turnout, we are so amazed and thankful at the overwhelming generosity of our riders and people in the community who donate to this cause.”

Riders gathered at Zylstra Harley-Davidson in Elk River for the pre-ride festivities including a hog roast, before embarking on the 100-mile ride at noon.

A brisk fall morning turned into an afternoon of beautiful fall weather with sunny skies and dry roads. Over 150 riders and passengers went on the ride. After stops at Captains on Long Lake in Isanti and Jack & Jim’s in Duelm, the riders made their way to Rockwoods Bar & Grill in Otsego for the post-ride party and dinner.

The party included live music, prize raffles and food. The event culminated with the drawing of the grand prize raffle drawing, a new 2012 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The winner was Mike Alvord of St. Joseph.

While the group fell short of its projected fundraising goal for the year, more than $55,000 has now been raised this year to date. The proceeds of the monies raised goes to those in need while battling breast cancer.

The organization was started over eight years ago after Lynnda Laubach was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Fortunately for Lynnda, she survived her battle with breast cancer, but it wasn’t easy, as she not only had to undergo surgery, radiation and chemotherapy treatments, but also had to struggle to pay everyday living expenses.

It was out of this that, along with her brother, Mark Christofferson, they discovered that there was a distinct need that hadn’t been answered in the local area.

This ride is the biggest event of the year for LLBCAR. Working with Mercy and Unity Hospitals, the LLBCAR is a local organization that gives back to its local citizens. The money raised from the ride, from raffle ticket sales, donations and auction items, all goes directly to breast cancer patients to assist them financially through difficult times.

To find out more about LLBCAR and to either donate or register for next year’s ride, visit the website at www.thebreastcancerride.org or call 612-751-2220.